News & events

JET 2014 experiments “record-breaking on many fronts” | 26/09/2014

With a couple of weeks still to go, the 2014 experiments at JET have already been “simply outstanding” according to George Sips, Head of the Operation Group of the JET Exploitation Unit.

A series of records have been set for operation with JET's present configuration, which replicates ITER by using a similar wall made of beryllium and tungsten:

maximum number of operational shifts during a campaign (109 shifts);

maximum availability of the plant (at 80%); and

highest average successful pulse rate per shift (12).

Not surprising, then, that the scientific output was also record-breaking for the ‘ITER-like wall', with levels of electric current, stored energy, neutron yields from deuterium-deuterium reactions and plasma confinement generally the best so far.

“This performance is important for demonstrating reactor-relevant conditions with the beryllium and tungsten wall,” explains George Sips.

After running with deuterium plasmas between 19 June - 5 September, JET is finishing this year's operations with a period of tests using hydrogen. Operation with a different gas gives valuable information on how the plasma confinement is altered, and is useful in scaling to how plasmas will behave in the crucial deuterium-tritium fusion tests planned at JET in 2017/18.

A machine shutdown starting this Autumn will enable engineers to build on 2014's achievements.

“The operational and scientific team and task force leaders will take a well-earned rest and the shutdown team will take over,” says George. “The aim will be to enhance the already impressive machine reliability and the maximum reliable heating power available from the neutral beam and radiofrequency systems.”